In keeping with similar extensions provided during previous downturns in the housing market, the California Legislature recently passed a bill that will automatically extend the expiration date of tentative maps, vesting tentative maps, and tentative parcel maps approved under the Subdivision Map Act for an additional 12 months.

The California Supreme Court recently issued an important decision clarifying the rights of developers who file lawsuits under California’s Mitigation Fee Act challenging fees that are imposed on new development projects. The Legislature enacted the Fee Act (Government Code sections 66000-66025) in 1996 in response to concerns that some local agencies were imposing excessive fees on new developments.